Renowned music educator Andy Jaffe and co-leader Bill Lowe, noted bass trombone player and tubist, bring their fresh and energetic big band, comprised of many of the finest players from all over the Northeast, to Williams to perform entirely original repertoire, mainly composed and arranged by leader Andy Jaffe, who for years has been among the vanguard of writers pushing the art of arranging and composition for big band into new frontiers, within the context of the tradition.

In this endeavor he fully exploits the colors available on his palette, continuously mixing them to create new shades and moods that can caress ears or raise hackles. Featuring full trumpet, trombone, and reed sections, French hornist John Clark as well as a rhythm section including faculty member Freddie Bryant on guitar and vocalist Nik Mathis, this is a rare opportunity to hear what a professional ensemble can do when it is unleashed to play the kind of music these musicians clearly love.

Here’s a vintage clip of the Big Band performing in 1988 for the opening of the Connecticut Legislature Office Building: